Vitamin D and autoimmune dermatoses: A review
Keywords:
Vitamin D, vitamin D receptor, psoriasis, autoimmune bullous, vitiligoAbstract
 Historically, vitamin D was associated with rickets and osteomalacia. Recent evidence demonstrates that vitamin D is crucial in influencing general health and the immune system. Vitamin D has been associated as a natural immunomodulator through its strong association between vitamin D signaling and immune response regulation, both cellular and humoral. The hypothesis of a disease-specific alteration of vitamin D metabolism, including various autoimmune diseases, further reinforces vitamin D’s role in maintaining a balanced immune system. The pathogenesis of many skin diseases, specifically autoimmune dermatoses, is also associated with disturbance in immune system regulation. Administration of vitamin D or its analogues is the therapeutic choice for the treatment of several skin diseases. This review summarizes recent epidemiological and experimental studies on vitamin D involvement in autoimmune dermatoses, specifically psoriasis, autoimmune bullous disease (pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid), and vitiligo. ÂReferences
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